Sr Director - Transportation & Logistics

Grocery Outlet Career•Emeryville, CA

About The Position

Grocery Outlet is seeking a Sr. Director of Transportation & Logistics to lead their inbound and outbound freight network. This role involves owning carrier relationships, transportation execution, cost management, and the systems and processes that move product from suppliers to distribution centers to stores. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the supply chain can handle the variable and opportunistic nature of the buying model while delivering consistent, cost-effective service. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on driving strategy, managing a dynamic carrier network, and building a best-in-class transportation function that scales with Grocery Outlet’s growth. The role operates at the intersection of execution and continuous improvement, managing day-to-day performance while developing capabilities, tools, and talent for the long term. The Sr. Director, Transportation & Logistics reports to the Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in transportation, logistics or supply chain operations within retail grocery or a similar model
Ability to thrive in a fast paced, start-up like environment
Deep expertise in freight procurement, carrier management, TL/LTL operations, and transportation cost modeling
Proven ability to build, lead, and hold high-performing teams accountable
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
Demonstrated strength in root cause problem solving and structured thinking
Clear and effective communicator with the ability to create executive-ready materials and drive alignment
Strong understanding of retail financial metrics (DOS, OTB, margin, shrink, aged inventory) and their impact on P&L
Experience with TMS, routing and optimization, and visibility systems, with the ability to influence technology strategy
Strong executive presence and ability to partner effectively with senior leadership
Highly organized, process-oriented, and able to operate with urgency in a fast-paced environment
Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

Experience in opportunistic, off-price, or highly variable merchandise environments strongly preferred
Advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Own and evolve Grocery Outlet’s transportation network strategy, including carrier mix, modal optimization, and lane design for both inbound and outbound freight.
Lead the carrier procurement and RFP process, managing a diversified portfolio of truckload, LTL, and specialized carriers aligned to service and cost objectives.
Establish and manage freight cost targets, rate benchmarks, and fuel surcharge frameworks; ensure contractual compliance and performance accountability.
Drive continuous network optimization—evaluating routing, load efficiency, and mode selection to reduce cost per case and improve service reliability.
Lead daily transportation execution, ensuring on-time pickup and delivery performance across inbound and outbound lanes.
Maintain a rigorous KPI framework covering on-time performance, cost per mile/case, tender acceptance, carrier scorecard compliance, and claims management.
Partner with Distribution Center operations to align inbound scheduling, dock capacity, and carrier performance with DC throughput goals.
Oversee the implementation and utilization of transportation management and visibility platforms to drive real-time execution and proactive exception management.
Manage carrier escalations, service failures, and claims resolution with urgency and accountability.
Own the First Mile Operations to ensure supplier pickup scheduling, routing guides, and compliance expectations with inbound flow requirements.
Develop and enforce supplier transportation compliance standards, including routing guide adherence, lead time expectations, and shipment accuracy.
Drive improvement in collect freight execution, including carrier assignment, load tendering, and pickup compliance from vendor locations.
Support the broader First Mile Perfect Flow initiative by owning the PO lifecycle from supplier to DC receipt.
Own the transportation expense budget, delivering accurate forecasts and variance analysis with clear rate vs. volume decomposition.
Partner with Finance to align transportation costs with P&L targets; provide executive-ready reporting on freight cost trends, risks, and opportunities.
Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives—including backhaul programs, load consolidation, and carrier optimization—while protecting service levels.
Monitor and manage fuel surcharge exposure, accessorial costs, and contract compliance to minimize unplanned freight spend.
Build and lead a high-performing team grounded in ownership, accountability, and a bias for action.
Establish clear expectations and a strong feedback culture; address performance gaps with urgency.
Hire, develop, and retain top talent while building scalable capabilities and career paths.
Drive a data-first problem-solving culture, requiring clear problem definition and quantified impact.
Lead root cause analysis on inventory performance gaps using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Pareto).
Translate complex inventory challenges into clear, concise, data-driven narratives to support decision-making.
Champion continuous improvement by challenging assumptions and identifying better ways to plan and manage inventory.
Collaborate with Merchandising, Store Operations, and Distribution to align transportation strategy with business priorities.
Represent the transportation function in senior leadership forums, clearly communicating inventory position, risks, and opportunities.
Serve as the primary partner to Purchasing on all First Mile related topics, building strong relationships with Buying leadership.
Partner with Finance to align financial goals and guardrails.